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At  the  Sign  of  the  Sph 


inx 


At  the 
Sign  of  the  SPHINX 

A  BOOK  OF  CHARADES 


By  CAROLYN  WELLS 


"I'll  put  another    question  to  thee;   if  thou 
answerest  not  to  the  purpose,  confess  thyself — " 

Hamlet,  v.  i. 


NEW  YORK,  Published  by 
STONE  AND  KIMBALL 
in  the  year   M  DCCC  XCVI 


Copyright,     1896,    by 
Stone  and  Kimball 


To 

Dr.   WILLIAM   J.  ROLFE, 

'■'■The  dearest  friend  to  me,  the  kindest  man. 
The  best-condition  d  and  unnvearied  spirit 
In  doing  courtesies.'''' 

THIS    BOOK    IS    DEDICATE. 


PROOFS. 


The  figures  indicate  the  number  of  letters  in 
each  syllable  of  the  answer,  as  the  word  is  divided 
in  Webster's  Dictionary  ;  but  not  necessarily  as  it 
is  divided  in  the  Charade. 


1 4,  4 

2 3,4 

3 3,3 

4 4,  2 

5 3,2,4 

6 4,4 

7 3,2,3 

8  .     .     .     .      2,4,1,4 
3,  5 


9 
10 
11 
12 

13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 


3,  3 

2,  4 

2,5 
2,3 

4,  4 
3,3 

5,  5 

3,  5 
5,4 

4,  4 
4,  4 
3,  3 
3,4 


23 

24 

25 

26 

27 

28 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 
40 
41 
42 
43 
44 


4,3 
4,4 
4,6 
5,4 
4,3 
4,  5 
5,5 
4,  3 
2,4 
4,3 
4,4 
3,4 
4,2 
,2,  3 
3,4 
4,4 
4,  5 
3,4 
4,2 
2,  3 
3,4 
4,3 


vin 


Proofs. 


45 
46 
47 
48 
49 
50 
51 


5,3 
4,4 
2,  4 
2,  3 
2,  3 
4,  2 
3,3 


52 2, 2,  3 


53 
54 
55 
56 
57 
58 
59 
60 
61 
62 
63 
64 
65 
66 


.  4,  4 

.  4,  4 

.  3,2 

.  3,4 

.  4,  5 

.  4,  5 

.  3,4 

.  5,4 

.  5,4 

•  2,  5 

.  3,4 

.  6,4 

.  5,3 
4,3,5 


67 3,3,4 


68 
69 
70 
71 
72 


2,2,3 
.  4,4 
•  4,  4 
3,3,4 
.  3,3 


73 4,  3 

74 2,  4 

75 3,  5 

76 4,  3 

77 3,4 

78 5,  4 

79 4,  5 

80 2,  4 

81 2,  2 

82 5,  4 

83 2,  4 

84  ......  2,  5 

85 3,  5 

86 4,  4 

87 4,  5 

88 4, 2,  3 

89 4,  4 

90 5,  3 

91 3,  4 

92 5,  4 

93 3,  3 

94 4,  4 

95 3,  4 

96 3,  4 

97 4,  4 

98 1,  4 

99 5,5 


M 


y//  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  I 

I 

Y    first,    what     power   and    might    are 

thine  I 
Sometimes  I  think  thou  art  divine; 
Titled  and  great  !  we  often  see 
A  shrinking  culprit  brought  to  thee. 

My  second,  fond  of  fruit  and  flowers. 
Thou  lovest  to  bide  in  leafy  bowers ; 
Yet,  heeding  not  the  solemn  gloom. 
Thou  visitest  the  hero's  tomb. 

My  whole,  though  by  my  whole  accursed. 
Each  day  buys  and  devours  my  first. 


T 


A  Book  of  Charades. 
2 

HE  sunset's  golden  glowing 
Fades  from  the  Western  skies ; 

In  dreamy  silence,  rowing, 
I  watch  my  first  arise. 

The  mystic  shadows,  stealing. 
Bring  thrills  I  dare  not  name  ; 

I  tremble  slightly,  feeling 

My  last  through  all  my  frame. 

My  oars  I  swiftly  feather  : 
It  is  my  whole,  these  nights 

Of  cool  September  weather. 
To  seek  my  boat's  delights. 


I 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  3 

3 

N   tropic  trees  the  agile  apes  my  first  from 

limb  to  limb  ; 
And  ancient  history  says  my  second's  head 

was  made  to  swim  ; 
And  for  the  culminating  point,  my  whole's  a 

synonym. 


w 


A  Book  of  Charades. 

4 

HEN  the  golden  day  is  waking. 
And  night's  shadows  are  dispersed. 

Then  the  lark,  the  silence  breaking, 
Sweedy  warbles  forth  my  first. 

Many  a  shining  fate  we  've  beckoned. 

Failing  often,  hoping  still 
That  my  second  and  my  second 
Our  desires  we  may  fulfil. 

I    Total  is  a  book.     We  find  it 
Just  a  little  past  its  prime; 
And  departing  leaves  behind  it 

Footprints  on  the  sands  of  time,    f 


T 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  5 

5 

HERE  was  a  sound  of  revelry  by  night. 
And    stealthily    my  first    came   to    my 

whole 
Upon  my  third.      The  moon  was  shining 

bright. 
And  others  came.      Their  voices  stirred 

my  soul. 
No  sleep  till  morn  !    Unless  with  missile 

fleet 
I  chase  my  first  away  with  flying  feet. 
Though    to    my    second    in    my  aim     I 

feared. 
After  a  few  attempts  they  disappeared. 


u 


A  Book  of  Charades. 
6 

P  from  the  South  at  break  of  day 

My  first  arrived  in  early  May, 

And  through  the  towns  and  cities  passed. 

Heralded  by  a  trumpet  blast. 

Up  from  the  South  my  total  came. 
Up  from  the  land  of  flowery  fame  ; 
And  reached  my  second's  sheltering  care. 
After  a  voyage  long  and  fair. 


w 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx. 


ITHIN  my  hammock,  alone  and  lazy. 
Through  smoke-wreaths  hazy  I   see 
my  friend  ; 
In  calm  contentment  at  home  abiding, 
I  watch  him  striding  around  the  bend. 
Across  the  meadow  among  the  thistles 
He  sings  and  whistles  in  careless  glee; 
He   does  not  heed  me,  I  know  he  's 
going 
Where  streams  are  flowing   to   one, 
two,  three. 

I  give  my  mind  up  to  idle  fancies. 
Such  as  a  man  sees  in  sunny  Spain, 

A  half-forgotten  pastime  in  Seville, 
A  pictured  revel  forms  in  my  brain. 

A   Spanish   maid   decked   with    scarlet 
roses. 
Whose  swaying   poses    delight    like 
rhyme 
Dainty  and  graceful,  her    bright  eyes 
glancing 
While    to    her    dancing    my   whole 
keeps  time. 


8  A  Book  of  Charades. 

8 

THE  empty  shell  is  always  worthless  named 
After  my  first's  outcast ; 
A   contract  often  is  my  next  proclaimed 

After  a  time  has  passed  ; 
**  God  bless   us   every   one!"   my   third 
exclaimed. 
After  he  did  my  last. 
When  you  have  guessed  the  total  wordj 
You  will  declare  it  is  my  third. 


M 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx. 


Y  first's   a  term   in   golfing,  though   in 

that  I  'm  not  much  versed  ; 
My   first    is    in   my   second,   when    my 

second  's  in  my  first. 
And   when    my  whole    is    in    my  first, 

my  first  is  in  my  whole. 
And   when  my  first  is   in   my  last,  we 

quaff  its  flowing  bowl. 


lO  A  Book  of  Charades. 

10 


T 


HERE    was    once    a    merry    maiden,    a 
bewitching,  gay  brunette ; 
In  the  art  of  breaking  hearts  she  was 
well  versed  ; 
And  she  flirted  and  coquetted  with  every 
man  she  met. 
Until   everybody   said   it  was  my  first. 

When  the  lovers  flocked  around  her,  and 
sought  her  smiles  to  win. 
And    at   her   dainty  feet  their  fortunes 
cast. 
She  flouted  them,  and  scouted  them,   to 
their  intense  chagrin. 
While   heartlessly   she  chuckled  in  my 
last. 

But  one  by  one  her  suitors  grew  impatient 
of  her  ways. 
And    one    by    one    escaped    from    her 
control  ; 
Until  none  of  her  devoted  slaves  remained, 
and  all  her  days 
The  lonely  little  maiden  lived  my  whole. 


o 


Jt  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  1 1 

II 

FTEN  with  dread  and  horror  seen. 
Although  sometimes  proclaimed  a  queen. 
My  first  with  no  intent  of  ill 
Began  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill. 

My  second  is  a  growing  thing. 
We  welcome  it  anew  each  spring ; 
'T  is  eaten  gladly  by  the  cow, 
I  think  you're  looking  at  it  now. 

The  differing  creeds,  it  seems  to  me. 
On  this  one  point  will  all  agree  : 
That  he  who  wants  to  save  his  soul 
Must  honestly  profess  my  whole. 


12  A  Book  of  Charades. 

12 

SWEET  Priscilla  at  my  side, 
Gayly  o'er  the  waves  we  ride. 
As  we  banter  on  the  yacht. 
She  is  happy,  I  am  not ; 
For  beneath  my  first,  her  eyes 
Frown  and  smile  and  tantalize. 
Though  she  rules  my  very  soul. 
She  is  governed  by  my  whole. 
If  she  'd  only  marry  me. 
How  contented  I  would  be  ; 
If  I  heard  our  wedding-bell. 
If  my  second  on  us  fell, 
Gayly  then  away  I  'd  ride 
Sweet  Priscilla  at  my  side. 


M 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  13 

Y  first  was  set  before  a  king ; 

My  second  is  a  piece  of  ground  ; 
When  I  my  ship  to  land  would  bring 

I  like  to  have  my  whole  around. 


14  A  Book  of  Charades. 

14 


o 


N  either  side  the  river  lie 
Long  fields  of  barley  and  of  rye  ; 
My  first  blows  free  beneath  the  sky. 
And  through  the  field  the  road  runs  by 
To  many-towered  Camelot. 

There  she  weaves  by  night  and  day 
A  magic  web  of  colors  gay; 
She  dare  not  from  my  second  stray. 
The  Lady  of  Shalott. 

The  gemmy  bridle  glittered  free. 
Like  to  some  branch  of  stars  we  see ; 
Perhaps  it  was  my  whole  to  thee, 
O  bold  Sir  Lancelot! 


I 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  1 5 

15 

AM  my  whole.      I  have  been  married  twice. 
My  first  wife  was  my  second  long  before 
My  second  wife   became  my  first.      And 
more, 

I  was  my  whole  to  each.      Let  that  suffice. 


1 6  A  Book  of  Charades. 

i6 


Y 


OU  see  my  first  when  you  behold 
The  jester's  broadly  grinning  face. 

Proud  of  his  skill,  the  huntsman  bold 
Brings  home  my  second  from  the  chase. 

Although  my  whole  is  cheap  and  mean, 

I  would  not  change  with  king  or  queen. 


F 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  17 

17 

IRST  in  my  first  was  Washington  ; 
No  foe  against  him  could  prevail. 
My  second  always  is  around, 
~     But  yet  it  keeps  outside  the  pale. 
My  whole  the  Western  pioneers 
Shuddering  heard  with  grewsome  fears. 


1 8  A  Book  of  Charades. 

i8 


M 


Y  first,  of  thee  the  poets  sing. 
And  notes  of  praise  to  thee  they  bring  ; 
Though  dark,  yet  fair  thou  'rt  said  to  be. 
And  many  prayers  ascend  to  thee. 

My  second,  beautiful  but  shy. 
Thou  wilt  with  me  this  evening  fly  ; 
With  cushioned  cab,  and  thee  beside, 
Methinks  I  could  forever  ride. 

My  whole  !  what  horrors  dread  are  thine. 
What  fiendish  tortures,  deeds  malign. 
What  ghastly  terrors  !  yet  from  thee, 
A  word  will  set  thy  victims  free. 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  19 

19 


E 


VEN  in  this  enlightened  day 
Many  a  woman's  first,  they  say. 

Beneath  the  yoke  is  seen  ; 
The  yoke  is  of  my  second  made ; 
My  heavy  whole  upon  it  laid 

Gleams  with  metallic  sheen. 


20  A  Book  of  Charades. 

20 

UNDER  the  shimmering  starbeams  bright, 
Gayly  I  rambled  with  Rosalie 
In    grandmother's    garden    that    summer 
night. 

With  her  eyes  so  blue,  with  her  skin  so 
white, 
With  my  first  so  red,  she  was  fair  to  see. 
Under  the  shimmering  starbeams  bright. 

The  mischievous  moon  shone  with  silver 
light 
As  the  maiden  coquettishly  smiled  at  me 
In    grandmother's    garden     that    summer 
night. 

Of  all  the  village,  she  had  the  right 

To  be    called   my   second,    I    thought 
with  glee. 
Under  the  shimmering  starbeams  bright. 

I  plucked  my  total,  so  small  and  slight. 

And  gave  it  to  her  as  we  wandered  free 
In    grandmother's    garden    that    summer 
night. 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  21 

I  was  caught  in  her  toils,  the  merry  sprite ! 
I  told  her  I  loved  her,  on  bended  knee. 
Under  the  shimmering  starbeams  bright. 
In    grandmother's    garden    that    summer 
night. 


22  A  Booh  of  Charades. 

21 


A 


CAT  up  out  of  the  cellar  stole. 
And  cautiously  crept  into  my  whole. 
She  thought,  "  I  '11  last  to  reach  that  first. 
So  I  can  quench  my  awful  thirst." 
But  the  cook  came  in,  and  screamed  out 

"  Scat !  " 
And  out  of  my  whole  she  cleared  that  cat. 


w 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  23 

22 

ORSE  than  the  wise  men  who  sailed 

in  a  bowl, 
A  man    in    my    first   went    over  my 
whole ; 
And  when  he  was  found. 
He  was  picked  up,  half  drowned. 
By  my  last  which  was  sent  out  to  bring 
him  aground. 


24  -A  Book  of  Charades. 

23 


w 


HEN    you     have    guessed    my    first, 

you  '11  see 
How  very  dear  it  is  to  me ; 

With    feathers  soft   and   white    and 

fair 
It  flutters  in  the  evening  air. 
Marvel  of  grace  and  symmetry. 

Jefferson,  Edison,  Hood,  all  three. 
My  second  were  well  known  to  be  ; 
You  '11  understand  this,  I  declare. 
When  you  have  guessed. 

My  whole  is  always  said  to  flee 
When  shining  day  breaks  o'er  the  lea ; 
Its  hollow  laugh  we  '11  gladly  spare. 
And  gladly  miss  its  ghostly  glare ; 
To  this  I  'm  sure  you  will  agree 
When  you  have  guessed. 


H 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  25 

24 

OW  very  clever  he  is  reckoned 
Who  hits  my  first  upon  my  second  ; 
And  of  all  fools,  he's  deemed  the  vi^orst 
Who  hits  my  second  on  my  first  ; 
My  whole  was  used  to  decorate 
A  Norman  or  a  Gothic  gate. 


26  A  Book  of  Charades. 

25 


w 


E    listened    breathless,    not    a    person 

stirred ; 
The    beating    of   my  first  we  plainly 

heard. 
In  life  we   often  cross  my  last,  when 

dry. 
But  cross  it  wet  when  we  are  called 

to  die. 
My    whole    will   drive  the   neighbors 

nearly  wild ; 
It    fell    to    my   share  when    I   was   a 

child. 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx,  27 

26 

MY  first  complains,   "My  hour  is  almost 
come 
When   I   to  sulphurous   and  tormenting 

flames 
Must  render  up  myself." 

But  from  such  fate 
My  last  is  safe. 

And  though  within  the  dark 
And  awful  gloom  of  night  I  grope  my 

way 
To  find  my  whole,  when  I  have  reached 

it,  lo! 
A  sudden  light  illumines  all  the  place. 


28  A  Book  of  Charades. 

27 


A 


S  my  first  trotted  past. 

My  second  arose  ; 
For  my  total,  aghast. 
As  my  first  trotted  past. 
Was  discourteously  cast 

On  his  poor  little  nose  ; 
As  my  first  trotted  past. 

My  second  arose. 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  29 

28 

ONG  in  my  first  hath  Czesar  lain, 
^And  by  my  last  a  giant  was  slain. 
My  whole,  with  cold  and  silent  ways. 
Of  grave  demeanor,  pithy  phrase. 
Yet  given  to  flattery  and  praise. 


30  A  Book  of  Charades. 

29 

BENEATH    the   sharp  axe    Queen    Mary 
knelt. 
And  often  its  blows  my  first  has  dealt 
To  kings  and  queens  and  chickens. 

The    hour    for  my  whole    to    each    must 

come. 
My  first  of  my  second  is  thought  by  some 
The  finest  work  of  Dickens. 


w 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  31 

30 

HENEVER  I  take  my  walks  abroad, 

How  many  poor  I  see ; 
Down  in  my  first  an  awful  fraud 

This  morning  begged  of  me. 
Each  place  I  visited,  revealed 

Suffering  and  distress  ; 
I  wandered  homeward  through  a  field. 

My  last  clung  to  my  dress. 

Under  thy  influence,  my  whole. 

Beneath  thy  absolute  control. 

Men  cannot  speak  or  sing  or  walk. 

Or  if  they  move  around  or  talk. 

By  no  volition  of  their  own 

They    do     it.      But     thy    sway    o*er- 

thrown. 
Then    they    resume    their    smiles   and 

tears. 
Their   joys    and    sorrows,    hopes    and 

fears. 


32  A  Book  of  Charades. 


B 


ENEATH  my  first  a  Cardinal  dwelt. 
And  though  unseen  it  may  still  be  felt  ; 
The  destroying  angel  o'er  Israel  passed. 
When  on   their   doorposts   the   blood  was 

my  last. 
My    whole    its   well-deserved    punishment 

wins  ; 
It  is  one  of  the  deadliest  of  sins. 


w 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  33 

32 

HEN    vows    are    made   and    troth    is 

plighted, 
'T  is  then  we  see  my  first  united  ; 
My  second,  aye,  and  many  such 
Have     known     the     handcuff's    iron 

clutch ; 

My  whole's  a  busy  travelling  man  ; 
He  's  been  to  China  and  Japan, 
To  Zanzibar  and  Timbuctoo, 
To  Paris,  Pekin,  and  Peru. 


34  -^  ^ook  of  Charades. 

33 


M 


Y  first,,  men  traverse  land  and  sea. 
In  an  untiring  search  for  thee ; 
Yet  thou  art  found  in  many  boats. 
From  thee  our  flag  in  triumph  floats. 

Thee,  my  last,  men  will  often  thank, 
A  kind  offish,  a  badge  of  rank  ; 
An  actor  who  plays  well  his  part. 
Yet  many  wonder  what  thou  art. 

Far  from  their  firesides  and  their  wives. 
My  whole  saved  many  sailors'  lives. 
Guided  them  safely,  homeward  bound  ; 
In  a  bear's  tail  it  may  be  found. 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  35 

34 

WHO  first  my  last  till  they  the  bounds 
exceed. 
Of  my  whole  soon  will  surely  stand  in 
need. 


36  A  Book  of  Charades, 

35 


M 


Y  gay-colored  first  is  a  bower 

Which  is  spoiled  if  it 's  out  in  a  shower  ; 

The  heathen  Chinee 

Was  quick-witted  to  see 
That  it  wields  a  remarkable  power. 

My  last  at  Thermopylae  fell. 
For   my  last   must   be   rung   the   death- 
knell  ; 

From  fears  that  molest. 

My  mind  is  at  rest. 
When  my  last  they  assure  me  is  well. 

My  whole  is  a  horrible  beast 

Which  is  found  in  the  wilds  of  the  East 

By  Mr.  Linnasus, 

Named  Canis  Aureus  ; 
It  is  fond  of  the  lately  deceased. 


M 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  37 

36 

Y  first  is  part  of  a  whizzing  wheel;  't  is 

made  of  iron  or  wood. 
Of  my  second  oft   in  fairy-tales  we  've 

heard  ; 
He   lives    in    daricsome    forests,   and   he 

wears  a  pointed  hood. 
And  the  capital  of  Nevada  is  my  third. 
My  whole  a  Roman   family  once  could 

claim. 
But  now,  alas  !  it 's  nothing  but  a  name. 


38  A  Book  of  Charades. 

37 


I 


N  a  fair  peach  of  glowing  hue 
My  first  is  oft  concealed  from  view ; 
My  second,  purple  grapes  supplies. 
Cider  and  nuts  and  pumpkin-pies ; 
My  total  is  a  trap  or  snare 
To  catch  the  traveller  unaw^are. 


M 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  39 

38 

Y  dainty  first,  I  saw  thee  as  I  strayed 
This  morning  by  the  brook.      At  dinner 

now 
Across    the    table,    neatly    washed    and 

dressed. 
Fresh    and     piquant,  I    see    thee    once 

again. 
My  second,  as  I  gaze  upon  thy  face 
And  note  thy  wreath  of  laurel  and  thy 

shield, 
I    marvel    not    that    thou    hast    mighty 

power. 
That  thou  art  sought  and  cherished.     By 

thine  aid 
Churches  are  raised,  houses  and  factories 

bu:lt. 
And  many  mills  are  thine.      What  won- 
der, then. 
We  work  for  thee  ?     Thou  art  one  sent 

to  us. 
My  whole,  the  pride  and  glory  of  the 

Turks, 
I    watch    thy    graceful    curves,    and     I 

admire 


40  A  Book  of  Charades. 

Thy    slender    form.       When    thou    art 

older  grown, 
'Twill   be   more  full  and  round.     And 

then  thou  'It  smile 
Upon  me  from  afar. 


H 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  41 

39 

O!  fill  your  glass  to  comrades  gay. 
Let  song  and  laughter  burst ; 

Then  fill  your  glass  to  those  away. 
And  fill  it  to  my  first. 

Go  bring  a  jug  of  my  second  up. 
Bring  flagons  of  rare  old  wine. 

And  fetch  the  cherished  loving-cup  ; 
We'll  drink  to  mine  and  thine. 

Now,  who  to  mix  this  draught  is  skilled  ? 

We  want  no  bitter  bowl 
Like  that  which  Dickens  said  was  filled 

With  treacle  and  my  whole. 


42  A  Book  of  Charades, 

40 


M 


Y  first  we  make,  but  never  wish  to  keep  j 
My   second   has    some    silent    letters 
through  it ; 
My  whole,  they  say,  is  near  us  when 
we  sleep, 
And  I  was  much  attached,  in  child- 
hood, to  it. 


o 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphhix.  43 

41 

NE  summer  night, 
'Neath  the  pale  moonlight 

O'er  the  crested  waves  we  sped ; 
As  on  deck  I  lay, 
I  watched  the  spray 

And  my  starry  first  o'erhead. 
My  last  I've  heard. 
Was  the  latest  word 

That  Marmion  ever  said  ; 
The  flowing  bowl 
They  filled  from  my  whole 

And  the  wine  was  rich  and  red. 


44  ^  Book  of  Charades. 

42 


o 


N  a  sickly  bush  my  first  flowers  bloomed ; 
My  second  many  has  entombed  ; 
few  see  my  whole  until  consumed. 


Jt  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  45 

43 

THE  office-seeker's  attitude  is  arrogant  and 
proud. 
His  mien  is  very   haughty,  and  his  voice 

is  very  loud  ; 
He'll  bow  to  no  man's  orders,  by  none 

he  '11  be  coerced. 
Yet  he    always   is   delighted    when  he's 
asked  to  serve  my  first. 

His  mind   is   ever  working   out  his  ava- 
ricious dreams  ; 
He  burns  my  midnight  second  while  he 

plans  his  wily  schemes  ; 
He  devotes  himself,  untiring,  his  ambitions 

to  attain. 
And  he  throws  himself  with  fervor  in  my 

whole  of  the  campaign. 


46  A  Book  of  Charades. 

44 


M 


Y  first  is  rippled  by  each  passing  breeze. 
It  spreads  its  watery  wastes  from  pole  to 

pole. 
My  next,  a  Greek  philosopher's  abode  ; 
For  years  he  lived  there  happily.     My 

whole  — 
Ay,  there's  the  rub!  —  sits  proudly  on 

the  bench. 
And  causes  its  constituents  to  blench. 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  47 

45 


D 


EMURE,  modest,  and  meek. 

In  my  whole  she  rode  by. 
With  my  first  on  her  cheek. 

And  a  smile  in  her  eye. 
And  when  she  had  passed, 

I  said,  **  She  's  a  dear. 
And  her  critic  my  last 

To  say  she  is  queer." 


48  A  Book  of  Charades. 

46 


T 


HE  farmhouse  stood  by  tlie  flowery  lane, 
Down  in  the  meadow  the  cows  were 
lowing  ; 

A  soft  breeze  stirred  the  golden  grain. 
And  a  pretty  maid  to  my  first  was  going. 

A  rustic  swain  came  by  that  way, 

(She   looked    so  winning,    who    could 
resist  her  ?) 
She  blushed  like  any  rose  in  May, 

And  turned  my  second  when  he  kissed 
her. 

But  as  she  took  her  homeward  path. 
Her  anger  rose  toward  her  daring  lover  ; 

While  she  trembled  in  her  righteous  wrath 
From  my  whole  the  drops  were  brim- 
ming over. 


M 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  49 

47 

Y  feathered  first  to  merry  tune 

Skims  lightly  o'er  the  blue  lagoon  ; 

Though  in  another  shape  't  is  found 
In  darksome  caverns  under  ground. 

A  doting  mother  named  her  son 
Gustave  Orlando  Algernon  ; 

And  then  she  was  extremely  vexed 
To  hear  the  boys  call  him  my  next. 

My  whole  is  very  high  and  rare. 
It  lives  suspended  in  the  air  ; 

In  shape  and  color  't  will  outvie 
The  most  resplendent  butterfly. 


50  A  Book  of  Charades. 

48 


M 


Y  first  we  hear  with  groans ; 

My  second  is  a  bird  ; 
My  whole's  seductive  tones 
Wandering  Ulysses  heard. 


o 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  51 

49 

F  traitors  Arnold  was  the  worst. 

Yet  Englishmen  call  him  my  first. 

My  second  comes  to  all  good  men 

Who  reach  their  threescore  years  and  ten. 

My  whole  was  by  a  heathen  horde 
Exalted,  worshipped,  feared,  adored  ; 
But  fell  to  earth,  and  perished,  prone, 
By  Hebrew  courage  overthrown. 


52  A  Book  of  Charades. 

50 


M 


Y  sainted  first  we  all  adore  when  young  ; 
But  when  my  first  is  old,  we  fear  his 
malice. 

My  last 's  a  liquid  pleasant  to  the  tongue  ; 
'Tis  found  in  a  saloon  or  gay  gin- 
palace. 

The  New  York  merchant,  when  his  day's 
work  's  past. 

Would  give  my  whole  to  ride  home  on 
my  last. 


A 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  53 

51 

LTHOUGH  in  Bible  lore  well  versed. 

Some  call  the  Sixteenth  Psalm  my  first. 

A  suitor  for  a  lady  plead. 

But  her  stern  father  firmly  said, 

"  Until  you  have  more  wealth  amassed. 

You  carmot  call  yourself  my  last." 

My  whole,  by  enemies  surrounded, 

A  clever  riddle  once  propounded. 


54  A  Book  of  Charades. 

52 


M 


y  second  is  a  high  degree  ; 

It  was  my  mother's  name. 
I  'm  sure  that  you  can  guess  my  first. 

If  you  my  last  can  claim. 
My  whole  Poor  Richard  used  to  write. 
And  many  still  its  wisdom  cite. 


T 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  55 

53 

HE  dread  mosquito  's  found  the  most. 

They  say,  along  the  Jersey  coast. 

But  where  its  bite  is  really  worst 

Is  on  my  second  of  my  first. 

My  whole  was  cheered  with  shouts  of  glee  ; 

Men   fought    like    beasts,   with   yell   and 

snort. 
And  ladies  fair  looked  on  to  see 
The  brutal  sport. 


56  A  Book  of  Charades. 

54 


I 


F  we  open  my  first. 

We  perceive  it 's  a  jar. 
My  second,  they  say. 

Is  upholding  the  bar. 
By  something  we  hear 

Very  frequently  said. 
We  are  led  to  infer 

That  my  total  is  dead. 


A 


Jt  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  SI 

SS 

LTHOUGH    my   first   was    all  his  life 

ignored. 

Above  his  cavillers  his  spirit  soared  ; 
And  with  his  unpraised  prose  and  unread 

rhyme 
He  flung  his  genius  in  the  teeth  of  Time. 

My  second,  always  eager  to  assail. 

You  're  often  beaten,  thereby  hangs  a  tale  ; 

And    often    on    your    helpless   prey    you 

pounce. 
The     while     half-muttered     curses     you 

pronounce. 

My  whole,  for  many  tragedies  to  blame. 
What  crimes  have  been  committed  in  thy 

name ! 
Wife-beating,  dissipation,  martyrs  blind. 
And  ruined  lives  thy  mention  brings  to 

mind. 


58  A  Book  of  Charades. 

56 

THE  lady  was  my  first,  and  so 
To  kiss  her  made  her  vext ; 
Her  hair  was  black  as  any  sloe. 
Her  pretty  curls  waved  to  and  fro, 

I  asked  her  for  my  next. 
My  whole,  a  wretch  athirst  for  slaughter. 
Preferred  his  ducats  to  his  daughter. 


I 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  59 

57 

WATCHED  my  first  essay  her  part. 
She  shone  in  histrionic  art ; 
While  many  stared,  with  bated  breath, 
I  was  my  last  almost  to  death  ; 
Even  in  the  dark  and  stormy  night 
The  sailor  knows  my  whole  is  right. 


6o  A  Book  of  Charades. 

58 


M 


Y  first  is  Tartary's  ruling  prince  ; 
My  second  often  makes  us  wince  ; 
My  total  we  are  apt  to  pass 
Whene'er  we  see  it  in  the  glass. 


M 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  6 1 

59 

Y  first  we   may    see  when   approaching 

New  York, 
We  often  obtain  it  by  means  of  a  fork  ; 
In  its  secret  assistance  the  pupil  delights. 
The  New  Woman  claims  it  as   one   of 

her  rights. 

My  second  is  dug  by  the  farmer's  sharp 

spade. 
But  viewed   with    dismay  in  my   lady's 

brocade  ; 
Attractive  to  mice,  in  a  cake  often  found, 
'Tis  seen  in  the   old,  and  made  in  the 

ground. 

My  whole  may  be  easily  guessed  from 

these  rhymes  ; 
I  'm  sure  you  've  seen  through  it  a  great 

many  times. 


62  A  Book  of  Charades, 

60 


o 


NCE  on  a  time,  a  godly  man 

Lived  in  my  first  for  a  brief  span ; 

A  thousand  men  were,  we  are  told. 

Slain  by  my  last  in  days  of  old. 

My  whole  lies  deep  on  the  ocean's  bed. 

The  pale  remains  of  a  monster  dead ; 

And  with  never   a   thought  of  its  being 

misplaced. 
My  lady  allows  it  around  her  waist. 


M 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  63 

61 

Y  first  is  made  of  clay  or  gold  ; 

'T  is  very  hot  or  very  cold. 

My  second,  though  you  brush  away. 

You  will  turn  back  to  it  some  day. 

The  scullery-maid,  to  make  things  shine. 

Uses  my  whole,  a  powder  fine. 


64  A  Book  of  Charades. 

62 


T 


HE  American  eagle  is  dear  to  some. 

But  my  first  before  the  bird  must  come  ; 

The  Spanish  court  looked  on,  aghast. 

When  brave  Columbus  sailed  my  last ; 

My  uncle's  fortune  's  said  to  be 

A  very  handsome  legacy  ; 

'T  will  be  my  whole  if  left  to  me.  . 


A 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  65 

63 

FISHERMAN  was  heard  to  say 
He  had  n't  caught  my  first  that  day ; 
But  cheerfully  he  said  he  reckoned 
That  he  would  catch  my  first  my  second. 
My  tuneful  whole,  the  roses  heard 
All  night :    so  Tennyson  averred. 


66  A  Book  of  Charades. 

64 


M 


Y    last    is    computed    by  means  of  my 

first; 
It  is  lost,  spent,  and  wasted,  but  that's 

not  the  worst. 
It  is  taken  and  killed,  'tis  reduced  to  a 

point. 
And  sometimes  'tis  dragging  along  out 

of  joint. 
When  my  last  comes  for  roses  to  bloom 

in  my  first. 
My  whole  is  by  poets  repeatedly  versed. 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  67 

65 

WITHIN  my  first  for  many  a  day 
The  beautiful  Ginevra  lay. 
My  second  's  made  of  iron  or  dough  ; 
My    whole    is    something    that    you 
know. 


68  A  Book  of  Charades. 

66 


M 


Y  first  was  oftentimes  bestowed 
By  lady  fair  on  valiant  knight. 

And  if  you  give  it  to  a  friend. 
Undoubtedly  'tis  right. 

For  sale  along  a  city  street 

My  second  often  may  be  found  ; 

Costly     yet    small,    they  're    sometimes 
sold 
A  dozen  to  the  pound. 

My  third  was  worshipped  by  his  tribe. 
O'er  all  his  men  he  reigned  supreme  ; 

Yet  each  has  some  one  whom  he  thinks 
My  third  in  his  esteem. 

My  whole,  an  old  Egyptian  charm, 
A  wretch  demanded  of  his  wife. 

Which  failing  to  receive,  enraged. 
He  took  her  life. 


T 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  69 

67 

HOUGH  hardly  a  path  of  glory. 

My  first  leads  to  the  grave  ; 
Unless  by  giving  my  second 

Both  life  and  health  we  save. 

My  third  is  of  very  small  value. 
The  favorite  haunt  of  a  mouse  ; 

My  whole  you  will  find  in  the  kitchen 
Of  every  well-ordered  house. 


7©  A  Book  of  Charades, 

68 


M 


y  first's  an  article  in  daily  use  ; 

My  next 's  a  well-known  bird,  but  not  a 

goose  ; 
My   third 's    the  name   a   poet   gave   to 

night  ; 
My  whole's  a  much    applauded   circus 

sight. 


M 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  /I 

69 

Y  first's  a  flowery,  bowery  place 
Where  streamlets  gently  glide  ; 

My  second  is  exactly  half 
Of  Nanki-Poo's  fair  bride  ; 

My  whole's  a  kind  of  resinous  gum. 

Or  a  precious    stone    it  is    thought  by 
some. 


72  A  Book  of  Charades. 

70 


A 


LITTLE  Quakeress  is  my  first ; 

Her  eyes  are  dropped,  her  lips  are  pursed. 

A  blush  her  cheek  has  overcast ; 

Her  pearly  teeth  are  in  my  last. 

My  whole  upon  the  river's  brink 

Was  seen  by  Mr.  Bell,  I  think. 


M 


Jt  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx,  73 

71 

Y  one  and  two  Canova's  fame  prolongs; 

My    three    is     ivy-crowned     on    old 

Silenus ; 

My  whole,    I  'm   sure   you   will   agree, 

belongs 

To  Massachusetts  and  the  Milo  Venus. 


/ 
/' 


74  A  Book  of  Charades. 

72 


M 


Y  first  is   strong   and  cruel  when  in  a 

rage; 
Sometimes  it  separates  two  loving  hearts. 
My  last  is  quoted  from  an  ancient  sage ; 
The  tramp,  when  he  perceives  its  teeth, 

departs. 
My  first  is  always  present,  but  my  last. 
Though  we  recall  it,  is  for  ever  past. 
My   whole's  a  merry  game   or    ballad 

gay 

The     children     and    the    organ-grinders 
play. 


I 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  75 

73 

N  dark  and  stormy  times,  by  God's  decree. 
My   first    fell   to   the  dust.      A   king   was 

crowned. 
So  wise  and  just,  by  all  the  region  round 

Peaceful  and  blest  my  first  was  said  to  be. 

Before  his  queen  my  second  bends  the  knee, 
A  German  leader,  for  his  skill  renowned 
In  bow  or  ball  ;   and  with  salute  profound. 

Among  the  lancers  meets  his  vis-^-vis. 

Niagara!     I  love  thy  thunderous  roar. 
Thy  mighty  torrent  dashing  madly  by. 
Thy    fairy    spray    twinkling    with    dia- 
monds bright. 
And    standing,    spell-bound,    on    the    rocky 
shore 
I  watch  thy  grandeur.     Faintly  I  descry 
My     shining    whole,     with      rapturous 
delight. 


76  A  Book  of  Charades, 

74 


M 


Y  first  for  industry 

Has  achieved  a  great  renown ; 
A  singer  made  my  last 

In  a  simple  cotton  gown  ; 
Each  Sabbath  day,  my  whole 

Peals  forth  in  many  a  town. 


M 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  77 

75 

Y  first  is  round  and  very  thin. 
You  take  it  with  your  tea ; 

My  second  every  one  must  have. 
It  grows  within  a  tree  ; 

History  declares  my  whole  was  bare. 
Which  caused  much  misery. 


jS  A  Book  of  Charades. 

76 


A 


LTHOUGH  I  plead. 
She  firmly  said 

My  first,  which  dashed  my  dreams. 
My  second  we 
Admit  to  be 

Not  always  what  it  seems. 

You  may  find  my  whole 
In  a  golden  bowl. 

And  kings  for  it  have  striven  ; 
The  pauper  owns. 
The  miser  loans. 

And  the  Pope  to  us  has  given. 


M 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  79 

77 

Y   second    spoke  my  first,   and   it   was 

handed  down  in  history  ; 
Though  you  correcdy  guess  my  whole, 

't  will  still  remain  a  mystery. 


8o  A  Book  of  Charades. 

78 


I 


SING    my    first.       Come     dirges    and    sad 

moans. 
And   wailings   dire,   and  sobbing    sighs    and 

groans. 
And     blighted     hopes,  and  swiftly  dropping 

tears. 
And  dreary  days,  and  long  and  lonely  years. 

I   sing   my  last.      Come  mirth  and  laughter 

On  with  the  festive  dance  till  dawn  of  day ! 
Come  merry  madness,  revelry,  and  sport. 
And  fickle  Folly  holding  mimic  court. 

Copied    from    Shakespeare,  whom    it    well 

defines. 
My  whole    has    strength   and  beauty  in  its 

lines. 


o 


Jt  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  8 1 

79 

NE  beautiful  day  in  early  May, 

Some  recreation  wishing, 
I  took  my  creel  and  my  rod  and  reel. 

In  my  first  I  went  a-fishing. 

I  chanced  to  pass  a  country  lass, 

I  smiled  as  I  espied  her ; 
For  with  awkward  air  and  a  sheepish  stare 

My  second  walked  beside  her. 

When   the   day  was  spent,   I   homeward 
went. 
While  the  twinkling  starbeams  glistened  ; 
'Twas  a   glorious   night,  and   with   calm 
delight 
To  the  song  of  my  whole  I  listened. 


82  ^  Book  of  Charades. 

80 


M 


Y  first  can  never  look  you  in  the  eye ; 

My  second  is  of  use  in  Copenhagen  ; 
My  whole  's  a  land  that  millions  occupy, 

'T  is  partly  christianized  and  pardy 
pagan. 


M 


Jt  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  83 

81 

Y  first    at    times   the   sea-breeze   gently 

stirs. 
Again  my  first  speeds  foaming  o'er  the 

track 
And  wins  the  race. 

My  second  stands  among 
An  ancient  line  of  noted  characters ; 
A  noble  line,  my  second  near  the  head. 

My  whole,  a  monarch  absolute,  controls 
His   subjects   with    despotic   power   and 

sway 
Albeit  they  love   him.     If  he  speak  or 

move. 
They    say,    •*  Aha !    my    lord    doth    so 

and  so." 

And  if  he  but  express  a  vi'ish.,  they  fly 
Instantly  to  obey  his  shrill  behest. 
Shakespeare    avows   he   wears    upon  his 

brow 
The  very  round  and  top  of  sovereignty. 


84  -A  Book  of  Charades. 

82 


M 


Y  first  describes  the  widow's  weeds. 
The  Ace  of  Spades,  the  melon's  seeds; 
My  next  we  value  in  our  hand. 
The  emblem  of  our  native  land ; 
My  whole,  the  ancient  story  goes. 
One  day  bit  off  a  lady's  nose. 


I 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  85 

83 

WANDERED  long  in  deserts  dry. 

Pure  water  was  my  quest ; 
And  when  it  proved  to  be  my  whole 

That  sparkled  in  the  west. 
My  first  and  second  better  be 

Imagined  than  expressed. 


86  ji  Book  of  Charades. 

84 

WHEN  Shakespeare's  fair  Viola  wished 
for  a  beard. 

On  my  first,  as  my  first  we  are  told 
she  appeared  ; 

Of  my  second.  King  Solomon  truly 
declares 

Her  meat  in  the  summer  she  duly 
prepares ; 

With  blaring  of  trumpets  and  banging 
of  drums. 

My  whole  in  its  splendor  trium- 
phantly comes. 


T 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  87 

85 

HE  hall  was  illumined. 

The  darkness  dispersed. 
As  my  last  through  my  whole 

Came  down  from  my  first. 


88  A  Book  of  Charades. 

86 


M 


Y  last  is  a  stone. 

And  my  first  is  a  fraud  ; 
Though  it  quiets  a  babe's  moan. 
Yet  my  last  is  a  stone  ; 
My  total  is  grown 

In  a  country  abroad  ; 
My  last  is  a  stone. 

And  my  first  is  a  fraud. 


I 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  89 

87 

WALKED  across  my  first. 

With  my  second  in  my  arms. 

In  hopes  that  I  might  find  my  whole 
At  one  of  the  near-by  farms. 

Success  my  efforts  crowned. 
My  whole  came  at  my  beck ; 

I  left  my  one  and  two,  and  said, 
•*  Be  sure  to  wring  its  neck." 


go  A  Book  of  Charades. 

88 


M 


Y  first  by  some  old  sage 
Was  kept  until  it  dried, 

A  season  it  remained 

And  then  't  was  thrown  aside. 

My  second  and  my  third 
Has  four  legs  and  a  head. 

And  three  times  every  day 
We  carry  to  it  bread. 

When  in  a  railroad  train 
At  rattling  speed  we  roll 

From  Boston  to  New  York, 
The  train  goes  by  my  whole. 


M 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  9 1 

89 

Y  first  proclaims  tlie  night  is  past 

And   day  has  dawned.     Hope  tells  my 

last. 
My   whole  some   take   to    quench  their 

thirst. 
And  yet  my  whole  adorns  my  first. 


92  A  Book  of  Charades. 

90 


M 


Y  sweet  first,  with  thy  rosy  cheek 
And  fair  soft  skin,  'tis  thee  I  seek ; 

By  slaves  thou  shalt  be  served 
If  thou  wilt  come  and  stay  with  me ; 
And  if  I  can,  I  '11  surely  see 

That  thou  art  well  preserved. 

My  next  is  good  beyond  a  doubt, 
Yet  saving  people  throw  it  out. 

Or  send  it  to  a  friend ; 
My  whole  is  used  to  cleanse  and  scrub. 
Advertisements  with  pictured  tub 

Its  properties  commend. 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  93 

91 

THE  farmer  shook  his  shrewd  old  poll. 
As  cleverly  he  drove  my  whole  ; 
Then  by  his  appetite  accurst. 
Spent  all  my  second  at  my  first. 


94  ^  Book  of  Charades. 

92 

ALTHOUGH  my  first  men  shoot  and  eat. 
It  is  not  always  wild ; 
My  second  crowned  with  blossoms  sweet 
Is  clambering  o'er  a  rustic  seat. 

Sweet  Nature's  graceful  child. 
My  whole  thrives  best  in  tropic  heat. 
Or  where  the  climate's  mild. 


M 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  95 

93 

y  first  a  brute  declined  to  cross ; 

The  ladies  scorn  it  when  it 's  past. 
Brave  heroes,  now  beneath  the  moss. 

Preserved  my  last  unto  my  last. 
My  whole,  in  Rome's  illustrious  day. 
Wrote  the  ^Eneid,  so  they  say. 


gb  A  Book  of  Charades, 

94 


T 


HERE    once    was    a    beautiful    dancing- 
girl 
Her  lips  and  her  cheeks  were  red  ; 
And     in    consequence    of    her    graceful 
whirl. 
My  first  soon  lost  his  head. 

The  noise  of  my  second  we  shuddering 
hear. 

For  oft  where  its  rattle  is  found. 
The  serpent  that  bites  is  lingering  near. 

And  the  adder  that  stings  is  around. 

My    whole   is   the   color  of  quinces  or 
gold. 

Of  saffron  or  daffodil ; 
It  causes  jealousy,  we  are  told. 

And  it  makes  us  awfully  ill. 


M 


Jt  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  97 

95 

Y  first  knaves  brought  to  me  a  heap  of 
gold; 
Shuddering,    I  heard   a  voice   out   of 
my  second ; 
My  whole  was  by  an  old  Egyptian  told. 
And  fabulous  by  all  my  friends,  'tis 
reckoned. 


98  A  Book  of  Charades. 

96 


w 


HEN  I  'm  my  whole,  I  do  not  care 
Whether  the  days  be  dark  or  fair ; 
I  do  not  care  for  crops  or  grain. 
For  pipes  or  horses  or  champagne. 
Or  what  I  eat,  or  what  I  wear. 

I  care  no^though  my  friends  declare 
My  first  is  calm.      I  'm  in  despair. 
And  cheerfulness  I  cannot  feign 
When  I  *m  my  whole. 

Consequent  joys  I  '11  gladly  spare  ; 
I  'd  rather  be  my  last  elsewhere. 

Haply  within  my  own  domain. 

And  though  I  *m  really  not  profane 
I  almost  feel  obliged  to  swear 

When  I  'm  my  whole. 


M 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  gc) 

97 

Y  first  young  Hamlet  called  the  Ghost ; 

Upon  my  next  the  British  host 

Fought    Prescott's    men    with    ball    and 

blade  ; 
Out  of  my  whole  are  mountains  made. 


1 00  A  Book  of  Charades. 

98 


M 


Y  first  hangs  from  the  Congo  trees," 
Subject  of  many  theories  ; 
Among  the  hills  and  mossy  dells. 
Among  the  wildwood  brakes  and  fells, 
'Neath  winter  skies  and  summer  suns. 
My  noisy  little  second  runs. 
When  rains  their  swelling  torrents  bring. 
You  '11  find  my  whole  in  every  spring  ; 
And  in  my  whole  the  great  Shakespeare 
Began  and  ended  his  career. 


A 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  i  O I 

99 

HARROWING  tale  I  'm  about  to  relate 
Of  a    beautiful    maid    and    her   horrible 
fate. 
The  actors  are  three. 
In  this  grim  tragedy  ; 
So    of  course    complications   we  all    can 

foresee. 
And  as  each  represents  a  particular  role. 
We  '11   call   them   my   second,   my   first, 
and  my  whole. 
Now  my  whole  was  to  wed 
With  my  first,  but  instead. 
To  his  horror,  he  found  that  the  lady  had 

fled. 
Though   the   gay  marriage-tables    already 
were  spread. 
And  on  looking  around 
He  very  soon  found 
That  my  second  was  missing.      Of  course 

he  had  ground 
To  believe  they'd  eloped.      He  stormed 
and  he  frowned  ; 
He  terribly  cursed 
Both  my  second  and  first. 


102  A  Book  of  Charades, 

Indeed  I  don't  know  which  he  rated  the 

worst. 
Her  mother  just  fainted  away  in  despair  ; 
Her  papa  from    the    depths    of   his    big 
easy-chair 
Said,  "  Well,  I  declare 
t  don't  know  as  I  'd  care 
If  she'd  only  gone  off  with  a  rich  mil- 
lionaire ; 
But  my  last  for  my  son,   I  never  could 
bear." 
My  whole  mounted  a  horse 
And  he  followed  their  course. 
Resolved   that   he'd   rescue  the   lady  by 

force. 
Half  hoping  she'd   greet   him  with  tears 

and  remorse  ; 
He  espied  them  afar!     He  o'ertook  them 

at  length. 
And  he  challenged  my  last  to  a  trial  of 
strength. 
The  lady  sat  by 
With  a  tear  in  her  eye. 
Being  really  unwilling  that  either  should 
die. 


At  the  Sign  of  the  Sphinx.  1 03 

They  fought  and  they  sparred. 
Until  wounded  and  scarred. 
Both  gave  up  the  ghost,  like  the  cats  of 

Kilkenny, 
And    instead    of    two    lovers,    my    first 
hadn't  any. 


PRINTED  AT  THE  UNIVERSITY  PRESS, 
IN  CAMBRIDGE,  MASSACHUSETTS, 
FOR  STONE  AND  KIMBALL,  PUBLISH- 
ERS,   NEW    YORK,    MDCCCXCVI 


This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last 
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